"That little catch-up game, being out for a whole quarter of school, is going well," said Perkins, who watched practice film and communicated with running backs coach Craig Johnson while at UCLA. "I'm catching on a lot faster than I thought I would. I'm definitely hitting the books hard, definitely just adjusting to the whole speed of the game and understanding that I'm a pro now, so I have to act like it."

While Perkins has much to learn, he has flashed the ability that produced a 5.6 yards per carry average in his three-year career at UCLA. He broke a pair of long runs in team drills on Thursday, showing an impressive burst through the hole.

"The one thing about him is that as a young player, sometimes they feel their way," Johnson said. "But he did it early and he's doing it less and less, which tells me he's able to play faster and more aggressively."

Perkins will need to make the most of limited reps in a crowded backfield of veterans. Rashad Jennings is established as the top back, while Shane Vereen is the third-down back. Andre Williams, Orleans Darkwa and Bobby Rainey are battling with Perkins for a role.

"It's a competitive room so we're all trying to compete and make ourselves better," Perkins said. "We're all very encouraging with what we do. I definitely like the feel of the room."

As is the case for many young players, Perkins' path to immediate playing time could come on special teams. While he didn't play special teams at UCLA, Perkins is enthusiastically working on the second-team with the kickoff return unit. The rookie earned unprompted praise from head coach Ben McAdoo for his effort.

"Paul Perkins is a guy that jumped out to me on special teams (on Wednesday)," McAdoo said. "Did some things well, as far as his effort goes. If you throw effort at it, you can get better in a hurry in this league, and he is someone who recognizes the importance of special teams."

Perkins had enough credits to walk in UCLA's graduation in June, but he has one quarter of school left to earn his degree in sociology. School will have to wait, however, because football is finally taking center stage.

"I feels like I was just taking my final at UCLA," Perkins said. "Now I'm out here about to be in the Giants' stadium playing my first preseason game, so I'm looking forward to it."